Saint Mary of the Woods, Ind. (WTHI)- Saint Mary of the Woods College is getting its first new building in 50 years. Something officials tell us is a long time in the making and very anticipated for the college.

Summer is almost over and that means move in day for local college students.

One group of girls says they’ve missed Saint Marys so much they’re moving in early…and this fall they’re coming back to some big developments at the college.

A 45 thousand square foot wellness and recreation center.

“I feel like now when I talk to my best friend that’s going up to Purdue, I will actually have something to compare it to like game wise because she is all into the game scene and now I can say I go to games here,” sophomore at Saint Mary of the Woods, Amanda, said.

They aren’t the only ones excited about the school’s newest addition.

Athletic director at Saint Mary of the Woods, Deanna Bradley, believes the new center will be a huge asset to the athletics department.

“The basketball team has been going off campus, this will be our 14th year being off campus, so it’s almost like no words can describe how nice it will be not to have to travel to Clinton. We’re a small community this is just going to add to it. This gives people a place to go for certain event,” Bradley said.

It’s a development that gives students the big college feel at the small college they love.

“We’ve all been to a game before but it was Rose Hulman down there. Rose Hulman is cool but to have a game here is just easier for us to get around,” sophomore Cheyenne said.

And for those students who are thinking about coming to the college…

“We can actually say, hey this is where you can work out, this is where you can go play. Just to be able to show them, have them walk in and say wow this is a nice facility. And it helps with having a level playing field now, with our competitors when it comes to recruiting. And so, it’s just, the list is so long with things its going to help with us,” Bradley said.

As of today, the gyms are ready for floors and new goal posts are up. A volleyball team is back with the college sports teams. And handful of new hires eager for the target finish date end of October.

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